Under-threat theatre may be saved, council says

A theatre that was due to be knocked down could be saved, with plans for a possible refurbishment due to be discussed by councillors.

The Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock, Staffordshire, has been closed since April last year and is earmarked for demolition.

But now senior councillors in Cannock Chase are to look at the potential for a multi-million-pound refurbishment of the venue.

Wider regeneration plans for the town have already seen a multi-storey car park knocked down and a former shopping centre flattened.

Councillors will discuss a report next Thursday which sets out two options, one of which will be to retain and refurbish the theatre.

The other option is to continue with existing plans for the future of the town centre which would involve the venue being demolished.

Cannock Chase District Council leader Paul Jones said people had told him that saving the theatre was important to them.

"Our residents were telling us on the doorsteps that they wanted their theatre back and we must take their views into account before coming to this extremely important decision," he said.

"We have asked lots of questions, and commissioned further reports, so that we can be confident we have the answers to help our discussions as a cabinet.

"It is crucial we come to a decision so that the programme of work in our town centre can move forward."

Whichever option was chosen, the authority said plans would progress on refurbishing the Beecroft Road car park and improving the adjacent steps and access to the underpass.

The council said it had about £14m remaining from government funds which were secured to help with the town centre regeneration work.

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